1. BUILDING FORM INSPIRED BY THE BEST PARTS OF BRNO

Examples of the quality of the traditional urban structure that we were inspired by are the city centre or Veveří in Brno, as well as the block development of Zábrdovice and Husovice in close proximity to the area under consideration.

2. COMPLEX MIX AND PROPORTIONS OF INDIVIDUAL FUNCTIONS

Self-sufficient neighbourhood for 24/7 living

Another piece to the masterplan puzzle is the optimal distribution of functions for 24/7 living, combining space for residences and offices with civic and public amenities. A quality mix of functions will ensure that housing, work, school and kindergartens, shops and services, leisure and cultural activities, as well as nature and the river will be within a maximum 15-minute walk in Nová Zbrojovka.

This chosen principle of a city of short distances is proven from Western metropolises - the first city that decided to apply the concept of a 15-minute city is Paris. This solution also significantly reduces traffic congestion and the production of emissions, the increased production of which is due, among other things, to the increase in car traffic associated with residential development on the outskirts of cities, where the necessary amenities are lacking.

An important part of this is also the strategic location of buildings according to their function in order to ensure maximum user comfort. Residential development is thus directed to the quieter western part of the district towards the waterfront, in the central part of Nová Zbrojovka it is mixed with multifunctional buildings, and towards the adjacent railway it is planned to build office buildings that will create a natural noise barrier.

Diagram defining the division of basic functions in Nová Zbrojovka

3. TRANSPORT INFRASTRUCTURE AND ACCESSIBILITY

The Masterplan also clearly defines one of the main conditions for the creation of Nová Zbrojovka, which is a quality connection of the entire area to the city's backbone transport infrastructure.

Traffic connection from four directions

The already reconstructed traffic connection through Lazaretní Street is sufficient for the operation of the first buildings. The access from Zábrdovická Street is currently under construction and will be ready before the first residents move in. It will be followed by the northern connection from Markéta Kuncová Street, which will be implemented in the coming years and will ensure the connection with the large urban ring road. The final link that will connect us to Husovice and bring another connection to the large urban ring road is the realisation of the first bridge in Brno in more than 60 years.

Connecting the neighbourhood to the city's backbone infrastructure

Emphasis on space for pedestrians and cyclists

The Masterplan also determines the design of the street network and transport skeleton within Nová Zbrojovka, including the definition of road types and parking as well as public transport stops, intersection sections and the elaboration of traffic models that will guarantee that each of the sub-phases of the planned construction will be easily accessible by transport. Attention is also focused here on space for comfortable movement of cyclists and pedestrians, which are essential for Nová Zbrojovka as a neighbourhood primarily designed for pedestrians and cyclists.

Main communication flows with space for pedestrians

4. PUBLIC SPACES AND GREENERY

The quality and variety of public spaces is as crucial to us as the quality and variety of architecture. We are convinced that it will be reflected in the resulting quality of life in Nová Zbrojovka. So we agreed to cooperate with the Dutch landscape architect Lodewijk Baljon, who, together with the design office OSSENDORF, Zdenek Sendler's Atelier of Horticultural and Landscape Architecture and Kuba & Pilař architects, has developed an ambitious vision for the public spaces of Nová Zbrojovka.

30% green areas with water features

The design determines the concept of greenery, which will make up the entire 30% of the buildable area of Nová Zbrojovka, deals with its division according to function, defines the application of water features and addresses the concept of surfaces with an emphasis on elements of blue-green infrastructure, thanks to which it is possible to maximize the use of rainwater. It also sets the framework for the two-hectare waterfront around the Svitava River, which we want to return to its function as part of the revitalisation of the area, provide an attractive recreational space for residents, and provide pedestrian and cycling paths, all with an emphasis on ecology and biodiversity.

Layout of greenery and water elements in Nová Zbrojovka

5. INFRASTRUCTURE NETWORKS

The fundamental pillars of the Masterplan are then concluded by the proposed concept of the backbone infrastructure networks, which includes a sophisticated drainage system, sewerage, drinking water supply or an efficient way of supplying electricity with the definition of high-voltage distribution lines and transformer stations and, last but not least, the concept of central heat supply.

We feel good about the development of the New Armoury on these masterplan foundations. How do you perceive them? We would be glad to receive your comments. And if you missed it last time, we recommend expanding your masterplan horizons in our last article.